World of Beatrix Potter | Days Out in Cumbria
Disclaimer: We were provided free entry to The World of Beatrix Potter in return for an honest review. All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.
We were fortunate enough to be able to take a short break to the Lake District recently to stay in a caravan that my grandparents own there. While there we made a trip to a place that I have always wanted to go, and never had the opportunity to do so, The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness. It was a fantastic day out, made even more so by the fact that I was able to share it with my first born daughter.
When I was younger I had a Beatrix Potter characters theme in my bedroom, I had toys and money boxes and of course the books. As Squidgy had gotten to an age where she can appreciate them, I have now introduced her to the stories. A short time later she discovered the new Peter Rabbit and Friends programme on TV, and now she is hooked on the characters as much as I was. To be able to share a day at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction together was amazing, as we hardly get any time together without John or Little L being around. Squidgy was super excited to say the least!
She dashed off up the stairs from the entrance (there is a wheelchair and pushchair friendly entrance around the corner, but we used a different one!) and kept grinning and calling me to look at all the things that she could see around her. Before you go in there is a short wait at the main door to the attraction, complete with giant spools. Squidgy sat on them and it reminded me of the tailor mouse from The Tailor of Gloucester... which I guess is the idea!
If you are taking children, they give you a pencil and an activity booklet, which they can fill out as they go around. Squidgy was a bit young to write in it, but she loved matching the pictures inside to various different parts of the attraction, and she was able to answer the questions inside when I read them to her, which she loved.
All through the World of Beatrix Potter attraction, there was so many things to see, and all the characters from Beatrix's books could be found, created in 3D just the way I remember them from the books. Squidgy was fascinated by the fact that so many of them were so much bigger than her, and kept pointing out her favourite characters when she saw them. I was amazed at how many of their names she could actually remember.
The weather wasn't that great on the day that we went, which I suppose made it a good day to be inside having a look around the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. There is, however, a section of the attraction that is outdoors. A beautiful garden, complete with steps, benches, lovely flora and a statue. Of course the fact that it was raining meant that Squidgy was able to enjoy the garden in another way, by jumping in the puddles that she found out and about in the patio areas.
Everything at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is so well made, from the 3D characters to the beautiful background murals on the walls.
If you look really carefully, you will even find little gaps in the wall to show you where the mice live, something that Squidgy thought was simply incredible. She spent ages finding every one and being sure to tell me what she could see in each.
I'm pretty sure that my husband is glad that he didn't come with us, as he got some alone time with Little L, and I have to say neither Squidgy or I were complaining about spending some quality time together enjoying something we both love. There were smiles all around for sure.
Towards the end there was a room with puzzles and other activities. We both had a good go at each but even I wasn't that great, Squidgy just thought moving things around was fun so I guess it didn't matter that we failed miserably at putting them right!
There is nothing nicer than finishing the trip with a walk past Peter Rabbit and his family, before heading to sit in a corner booth to take a nice photo which you can purchase in the shop to remember the time spent at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. He's such an iconic character, so it feels right that you finish your visit with him and his family.
Be sure to go and check out the Beatrix Potter attraction if you are ever in the Lake District areas around Bowness, it is certainly worth a visit! It is not too big but has plenty to keep you occupied for at least half a day (or more if your child, like mine, wants to stop and talk about every little thing that they see!)
For more posts about our family adventures, from UK staycations to days out for kids visit my Travel blog. If you have any questions about our visit to The World of Beatrix Potter, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
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